Final answer:
The potential energy in coal is primarily converted into thermal energy, which then becomes mechanical energy as it spins a turbine, and finally into electrical energy through a generator. Not all energy is harnessed; some is lost as waste heat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential energy of coal is primarily converted into three main types of energy during combustion in a power plant:
- Thermal energy: The chemical energy stored in coal is first transformed into thermal energy as it burns to heat water and turn it into steam within a boiler.
- Mechanical energy: The thermal energy contained in the steam is then used to generate mechanical energy as the steam expands and spins a turbine.
- Electrical energy: Finally, the mechanical energy from the turbine is converted into electrical energy via a generator, which can then be used to power homes, businesses, and other electrical infrastructure.
It's important to note that not all the initial chemical energy in coal is converted into these useful forms of energy; some is inevitably lost to the environment as waste heat.